Cars shine at Chicago Auto Show

BFS spokesman and former Tennessee Titans star Eddie George (left) lifts the jersey of the new Potenza RE760 Sport as Tim Dunn, executive director of brand and supply chain marketing for BFS, makes the announcement.

General Motors Corp.'s Chevy division pulled the wraps off the new 2009 Chevy Traverse mid-size crossover vehicle, shod with Bridgestone Dueler H/L tires size P255/55R20 front and rear, Feb. 6 at a media preview of the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, which is open to the public Feb. 8-17 in McCormick Place.

GM is billing its latest vehicle lineup as "gas-friendly to gas-free." The Chevy Trax concept vehicle rolls on Kumho tires.

The 2009 Hummer H3T is loaded and ready to rumble--off-road or to deliver its cargo for a motocross event. This beast has BFGoodrich T/A tires, size 285/65R20, at the corners.

Toyota's 2009 Venza crossover sedan has Michelin Latitude tires, P245/50R20, mounted on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment on the V6 model, while the 4-cylinder Venza comes with Michelins, size 245/55R19, on 19-inch alloy wheels.

This 2008 Toyota Yaris Club, by Five Axis Design, has Yokohama 225/45R17 tires with a custom tread pattern by Five Axis.

Toyota's A-BAT concept features a spartan interior with yellow stylized seats and modest trunk space. Those are Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, size P295/60R19.

Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln MKT, running on Michelin 285/35ZR21 tires, is first class all the way with a futuristic-looking interior of sweeping lines.

The same Chrysler 300 has: "Every Day I'm Hustlin" stenciled over the grill. The car is in DUB Magazine's booth to draw attention to the publication's Custom Auto Show & Concert June 28 in Chicago.

A customized low-to-the-ground Chrysler 300 has a thin strip of Pirelli P275/25ZR24 rubber on Dropstars Luxury Wheel Collection rims.

Chrysler L.L.C.'s Jeep division set up a test ride within McCormick Place that allows drivers to take a Jeep on quick jaunt to try out the vehicle's maneuverability, ground clearance, articulation, traction and water-fording capabilities.

This 2008 Nissan Titan received a Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) design award as one of four "accessory-friendly" vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. The camo-painted bad boy has some mean-looking Dick Cepek Mud Country rubber on it, size 37x13.50R18LT.

Ford Motor Co. debuted its latest F-150 workhorse pickup truck that has a computer system--with online functions, navigation and a host of other features--built into the dashboard in the place where a radio would be.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 Yellow (background) has a 640-horsepower engine that delivers a top speed of 212 mph and can go zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Its base price is $333,000. In the foreground is the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Orange, which clocks a top speed of 196 mph. It has a 520-horsepower powerplant that can reach zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Its base price: $212,000. Both speedsters roll on Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires.

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA is powered by a 2.2 liter four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve high-efficiency turbodiesel engine the car company said produces low emissions. Much of the vehicle's body panels are made from high impact-resistant, recyclable plastic. The tires are Yokohama Advan Sport, size 285/30ZR21 front and rear.

Chrysler L.L.C.'s Dodge ZEO concept, rolling on Goodyear 225/40ZR23 tires on front and 255/40ZR23's on the rear, is a four-door, four-passenger 2+2 sport wagon. It boasts an electric-only propulsion system powered by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of a range of at least 250 miles.

Bridgestone/Firestone's two newest passenger tires are draped in football jerseys awaiting their unveiling at a noon (Chicago time) press conference at which former NFL star and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George will be on hand for a BFS "Tailgate Party" and to sign autographs. Behind the two tires is a Caddy Escalade with a screen in the rear that continuously plays 2008 Super Bowl halftime highlights. The halftime show was sponsored by Bridgestone.

Bridgestone/Firestone is the sole tire company sponsor for the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Its booth showcases a range of Bridgestone-brand products from commercial truck to passenger tires.

The Windy City plays host to automotive enthusiasts.